The Devil's Paw eBook

The young man for a moment seemed puzzled. Then
he glanced at a little gold watch upon his wrist,
knocked the cigarette from its holder and carefully
replaced the latter in its case.

“That is very interesting, Countess,”
he said. “For the moment I had forgotten
your official position amongst the English Socialists.”

She leaned forward and touched his coat sleeve.

“You had forgotten nothing,” she declared
eagerly. “There is something in your mind
of which you have not spoken.”

“No,” he replied, “I have spoken
a great deal of my mind—­too much, perhaps,
considering that we are seated in this very fashionable
lounge, with many people around us. We must talk
of these serious matters on another occasion, Countess.
I shall pay my respects to your aunt, if I may, within
the next few days.”

“Why do you fence with me?” she persisted,
drawing on her gloves. “You and I both
know, so far as regards those peace terms, that—­”

“If we both know,” he interrupted, “let
us keep each our own knowledge. Words are sometimes
very, dangerous, and great events are looming.
So, Countess! You have perhaps a car, or may
I have the pleasure of escorting you to your destination?”

“I am going to Westminster,” she told
him, rising to her feet.

“In that case,” he observed, as they made
their way down the room, “perhaps I had better
not offer my escort, although I should very much like
to be there in person. You are amongst those
to-day who will make history.”

“Come and see me soon,” she begged, dropping
her voice a little, “and I will confide in you
as much as I dare.”

“It is tempting,” he admitted, “I
should like to know what passes at that meeting.”

“You can, if you will, dine with us to-morrow
night,” she invited, “at half-past eight.
My aunt will be delighted to see you. I forget
whether we have people coming or not, but you will
be very welcome.”

The young man bowed low as he handed his charge into
a taxicab.

“Dear Countess,” he murmured, “I
shall be charmed.”

CHAPTER XV

For a gathering of men upon whose decision hung such
momentous issues, the Council which met that evening
at Westminster seemed alike unambitious in tone and
uninspired in appearance. Some short time was
spent in one of the anterooms, where Julian was introduced
to many of the delegates. The disclosure of his
identity, although it aroused immense interest, was
scarcely an unmixed joy to the majority of them.
Those who were in earnest—­ and they mostly
were in grim and deadly earnest—­had hoped
to find him a man nearer their own class. Fenn
and Bright had their own reasons for standing apart,
and the extreme pacifists took note of the fact that
he had been a soldier. His coming, however,
was an event the importance of which nobody attempted
to conceal.